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Assured Survival: Putting the Star Wars Defense in Perspective

Jordan Blair

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Published in Star Peace: Assured Survival Putting The Star Wars Defense In Perspective

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The Star Wars defense is a popular strategy for protecting against a nuclear attack. The idea is to use a system of lasers and missiles to destroy incoming nuclear weapons before they reach their targets. The goal is to create a shield that protects the country from nuclear attack, ensuring assured survival.

Star Peace: Assured Survival - Putting the "Star Wars" Defense in Perspective

by Ben Bova

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	649 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	385 pages

The Star Wars defense was first proposed by President Ronald Reagan in 1983. Reagan argued that the Star Wars defense would make nuclear weapons obsolete and lead to a safer world. However, the Star Wars defense has been criticized for being too expensive, too complex, and too unreliable.

Critics argue that the Star Wars defense would be very expensive to build and maintain. They also argue that it would be very difficult to develop a system that could reliably destroy incoming nuclear weapons. Even if the system were perfect, it would be impossible to protect against every single nuclear weapon.

Another criticism of the Star Wars defense is that it could lead to an arms race. If one country develops a Star Wars defense, other countries will feel compelled to develop their own defenses. This could lead to a spiral of spending and development, making the world less safe.

Despite these criticisms, the Star Wars defense remains a popular idea. Many people believe that it is the only way to protect against nuclear attack. However, there is no guarantee that the Star Wars defense will work. It is a complex and expensive system that has never been tested in a real-world situation.

There are other ways to protect against nuclear attack that are more effective and less costly than the Star Wars defense. One way is to reduce the number of nuclear weapons in the world. This can be done through arms control agreements and treaties. Another way to protect against nuclear attack is to build a strong civil defense system. This includes preparing for evacuation, sheltering, and medical care in the event of a nuclear attack.

The Star Wars defense is a tempting idea, but it is not the only way to protect against nuclear attack. There are other, more effective and less costly ways to ensure assured survival.

The Star Wars defense is a popular but flawed strategy for protecting against nuclear attack. It is expensive, complex, and unreliable. There are other, more effective and less costly ways to ensure assured survival.

Star Peace: Assured Survival - Putting the "Star Wars" Defense in Perspective

by Ben Bova

4.4 out of 5